Newcastle City Council Chief exits after months of questions

Nov 6 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE man responsible for running Newcastle City Council has left after months of criticism of the authority’s direction. Chief executive Ian Stratford is believed to have received a leaving package after he and elected leader John Shipley decided he should go “by mutual consent”.

He was not at work yesterday and was not expected back in the office before his official departure date tomorrow.

But while the decision may have come suddenly, The Journal can reveal top-level talks have been held in the council over the past few months about the direction of the authority.

It is believed the matter was brought to a head by two recent events – the fall-out over the deal struck between Newcastle Airport and its former boss John Parkin, and the Government rejection of the city council’s planning blueprint.

Insiders at the council said the announcement was “a long time coming”, while city MP Jim Cousins accused Mr Stratford of poor leadership.

The outgoing chief executive was at his Darras Hall home yesterday, but refused to speak to The Journal. The city council said it had no comment to make on Mr Cousins’s accusations.

Barry Rowland has moved from his post as deputy chief executive to acting chief executive, a position he is expected to keep for nine months.

Management at the city council was criticised twice by heavyweight reports during Mr Stratford’s six-year tenure. A damning verdict from the OECD – Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development – on leadership in the North was issued in 2006, expressing concern at the “absence of capacity and leadership in the region”.

And in August last year the Audit Commission warned the council was being held back by weak management. Councillors were believed to hold the man in overall charge of the authority responsible for its perceived lack of direction. In an effort to improve Mr Stratford’s standing, £43,000 was spent on executive coaching for him and his department. It is believed council leader John Shipley and his deputy David Faulkner were in negotiations with Mr Stratford for several weeks. Talks are believed to have started in the summer.

Last month Coun Shipley was at the forefront of those calling on Newcastle Airport to reveal details that have been kept secret of a settlement with a former airport boss.

But last night Coun Shipley insisted the current deal should remain secret. Newcastle Central MP Mr Cousins said he accepted the full details of Mr Stratford’s departure should be secret, but he urged the council to come clean over the details of the financial severance. He said: “That is private and confidential, but the sums of money involved are not confidential. They must be disclosed.”

In a statement yesterday Coun Shipley said: “I would like to thank Ian for his service to the city council since his appointment in 2002.

“I believe the council has made significant progress over recent years and I recognise fully the part that Ian has played in leading the officer team and working in collaboration with politicians and partners to deliver our objectives. I wish Ian well in any opportunities he pursues in the future.”

Mr Stratford said: “I’ve been very proud to serve the city for the last six years or so. The council has achieved a great deal and the city has never looked better. I look forward to a break and the chance to explore new opportunities.

“I would like to thank all staff for their support and commitment to providing the best possible service.”

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